Greenpeace Africa expresses shock over Wijma activities in Cameroon.

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Press release - August 6, 2018

In response to news that controversial Dutch wood processing and trading company Wijma and her subsidiary CAFECO are ceasing timber operations in South West Region of Cameroon, Greenpeace Africa’s Forest Campaigner, Eric Ini said:

“It’s shocking that Wijma and CAFECO were still logging timber with an FSC certification in the South West Region until recently. Reports from the ground, which Greenpeace has not been able to verify, allegethat CAFECO has been transporting timber under armed escort. This region is witnessing a conflict that has seen close to 160,000 internally displaced persons and 45,000 refugees flee to neighbouring Nigeria. It’s scandalous for Wijma to have continued logging under such conditions”.

“Ironically, Wijma told Dutch media last month it does not see any problem with logging timber in a conflict zone.This clearly contradicts FSC certification regulations. All of its concessions in the region lie within a conflict zone wherein travel is highly inadvisable especially to foreigners. For Wijma to stop timber logging and processing only after being pushed out by the intensity of the ongoing conflict is nothing but excessive corporate greed!”

“Armed groups and regular government forces have been battling for close to two years with many deaths. Wijma has been silently reaping the spoil without any inkling of corporate social responsibility. The questionable manner and method Wijma went about her activities in the region during this period will eventually be revealed”.

“Greenpeace Africa thinks Wijma cannot continue to brand itself as an FSC certified supplier for stock timber or from any other source. Rather than hastening to expand production in the South Region of Cameroon, the company should take time for sober reflections and re-evaluate its indirect role in the ongoing conflict in Cameroon”

Media Contact:

Nchemty M. Ozongashu

Communications Officer, Greenpeace Africa

Tel: 677-345-612 /

Eric Ini

Forest Campaigner, Greenpeace Africa

Tel: 682-909-250 /

Note: This press release was modified on October 17, 2018, to specify that the allegation that CAFECO has been transporting timber under armed escort is an allegation based on reports from the ground which Greenpeace has not been able to verify.